Amanali Rodriguez

Tell us about yourself

I am an MBA student with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Health Science (veterinary sciences) and a Minor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. Veterinary science has been a passion of mine from a very young age. Today, I know how to properly treat, perform surgery, and care for a companion animal. I am currently working in the college of medicine at UCLA under the division of laboratory animal medicine. I am a part of the research being developed for the future of human medicine. I combine business and science to help investigators thrive in the work that is being accomplished. My passion for these two careers has encouraged me to pursue a master’s degree in order to obtain as much knowledge as possible to become a successful professional.

What interests and excites you about business?

From the moment I began my minor and was accepted into the E-STEAM program at Cal Poly Pomona during my undergrad, I knew that I gained another passion aside from animal science. I want to solve problems, develop a business, and truly implement both of these careers into my life. That one-year program exposed me to the requirements needed to flourish in such a competitive industry. My overall continuing knowledge in business has made me excited for what is yet to come in hopes of having a positive and prosperous career.

Tell us about your experience in the MBA program.

My undergrad experiences have inspired me to continue learning in order to strategically combine both of my career options and make a meaningful contribution to society. I have gained knowledge from professors in ways no other college has. From being hands-on to adjusting what they teach based on student needs. The program is truly there to help each student succeed.

What strengths/skills have you gained from the program and taken back to work?

I believe that I have a strong understanding of basic principles in business thanks to the professors that dedicate time and genuine interest to every single one of their students in the program. I have learned how to implement class objectives into the real world, such as identifying customer’s pain/gains, create a prototype, develop a business, marketing, and financial plans, sources for materials, produce and market a product, and meet financial objectives. I am certain that my skill sets gained from the “learn by doing” methods have helped my success not only in the master’s program but in anything I do in the workforce.

What is your future goal?

My father is an entrepreneur himself and has always shown me to think and consider options outside our area of expertise. In my first business class, I had the privilege of listening to a professor talk about opportunity and the importance of sustainability when creating a product or business. I was accustomed to studying in a career that is very by the book, therefore when I continued my journey in every business class, I began to think about my options, such as using business to thrive in the veterinary field. All of the learning objectives through the MBA program has only strengthened my opportunities in life. My future goal is to create my own veterinary practice. I want to combine both professions and use science as well as business to create a prosperous livelihood.

Do you have any advice for future MBA students?

As a student in this program, it is clear that the university has a deep interest in pushing their students to succeed. Having the opportunity to sit in several of the classes offered in the college of business administration has definitely served to magnify my interest in applying for the MBA program soon after undergrad. Any individual would be lucky to be a part of such a respected program. Any future student will take without a doubt what they learn in the classroom, and use it to succeed in the industry.